People with world class talent are a rarity. And sadly, more often then not, they’ve become so accustomed to society’s recognition of this virtuoisity that they fail to truly develop as individuals. 

Eric Tamm is very much the former, with not a trace of the latter. As a dancer with American Ballet Theatre, he has spent much of life cultivating skill, not only in dance, but in the culinary arts and in a  myriad of other hobbies. He seems to have put a lot of time into becoming more than a blank slate on which a choreographer writes. Mikhail Baryshnikov once said, “Exceptional dancers, in my experience, are also exceptional people, people with an attittude toward life, a kind of quest, and an internal quality. They know who they are, and they show this to you willingly.” At such a young age, Eric already understands this, which undeniably puts him on pace  for great adventures and performances to come.

Watch the video of Eric and I enjoying some brunch and good conversation at Freeman’s in NYC. The restaurant was dark, and my camera could only supply so much light, but you’ll be able to get a sense his charm nonetheless.

1. What was the first creative moment you remember?

When my cousins and I were little we always put together performances in the house for my parents and whatever other family members were around for that holiday. Without fail we would be down in the basement picking music for our newest dances and cutting tickets from construction paper to be passed out later to the adults.  I remember having such a blast, not only because of the group effort involved in putting on our very own show, but just the joy of dancing and truly being inspired.

2. Where did you grow up and how did you wind up where you are now?

I was born in San Francisco, but my father’s job took our family to Hawthorne, NJ just outside of NYC, which is where I grew up.  There were a series of events that lead to me dancing for American Ballet Theatre (ABT). But, I think it began with my summer in Tivoli, NY up at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. I was seen by John Meehan, former director of ABT Studio Company (now called ABT 2).  They were starting what is now the Jacquelyn Kennedy Onasis School at American Ballet Theatre and wanted me to be involved in the starting class. So, in January 2004 I started at the JKO school where I received my first contract for ABT Studio Company to start in August 2004. Then, I was accepted into ABT and started as an apprentice in January 2007 and promoted to corps de ballet in September that same year. I was very lucky because I never truly ‘auditioned’ for anything. It was just about being seen by the right people at the right time.

3. What performance, song, play, movie or other work of art had the biggest influence on you and why?

When I was in High School, my parents would drive me in to see ABT perform at the Metropolitan Opera House during their summer season.  After the show, my mind would just be thinking about how beautiful the company was, and how quickly I could get into my next ballet class and try to work to be like them one day.  It really defined me as a dancer, and made ABT my dream company.  It was always hard to sleep after those shows.

4. What is your ideal creative activity?

As a dancer, I would say working with a choreographer who already has some sense of who you are as a person and a dancer.  As a person, I think the culinary arts is where I can find passion and creativity.

5. How do you begin your day?

I always have breakfast, and then I’m off to the gym for a quick pre-class workout. Just something to get my muscled engaged and ready for the day before I try to do any ballet and before my body starts feeling fatigued from ballet. I try and do lots of core strengthening and upper body. After that I’m off to company class at 10:15am and the rest of my day is comprised of rehearsals.

6. Have you ever had to make a choice between work and art? What did you choose, why, and what was the outcome?

Honestly….no. I’ve been lucky enough to never make that choice.

7. When you work do you prefer the process or the result?

The result.  For me, performances are where you become inspired. It’s where there are millions of characters and emotions on stage and as a dancer you actually get to try and embody them.  It’s where I find the most joy, and where I think the artist can truly come out.